The Department of Public Instruction, based on the policies and procedures adopted
by the State Board of Education, issues North Carolina teaching licenses. An alternate
route to teaching in NC allows you to obtain a position and begin teaching right away,
without any prior teacher training or experience; this route is known as “lateral
entry.” For more information, check out Becoming a Lateral Entry Teacher.

Many of our students prefer to complete their course work before securing a teaching
position. Licensure-only students learn before they begin teaching—they take all courses
for licensure and apply for jobs as fully licensed teachers. If you wish to pursue
licensure-only, apply to Western's alternative licensure program by completing the
online Eligibility/Pre-Evaluation form. A program advisor will complete a plan of study which will lead to an initial license
in your chosen area.

We encourage you to contact us to discuss developing the best plan for you to become
a teacher.